Anglo-American University in Prague Social Science Research Methods
| Course Name | Social Science Research Methods |
| Course Code | POL240 |
| Description | In this course, students will learn to design research while using a variety of research methods, theories and concepts. Students will familiarize themselves with all phases of a research project, including philosophy of the research, its design and conduct, the collection, categorization, operationalization and analysis of research data and their evaluation. You will be asked to work individually and in teams in order to demonstrate your facility with theories and their appropriate use, as well as to hone your research, public presentation and writing skills. Papers and presentations are treated as pedagogical exercises to augment your learning in the course. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of a research and the researcher’s role. The course is a combination of a lecture and a seminar. The presentation of the material will be followed by discussions of the relevant empirical and theoretical studies. |
| Learning Outcomes | Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: – Comprehend and have a clear understanding of different epistemological positions in conducting research; – Grasp and apply the uses of theory in qualitative research; – Understand and demonstrate the link between a research question, research methods and sources; – Write methodologically sound qualitative research designs and criticize the methods used in other social science research projects; – Demonstrate the ability to conduct basic academic research and analytical writing with the usage of proper citations, appropriate to the undergraduate level and experience for introductory level of data collection on social phenomena. |
| School | School of International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| Number of credits (US / ECTS) | 3 US / 6 ECTS |